[Insert here whichever politician you want to insult] was making a special appearance to a 5th grade class. He (or she) asks the class, "Can anybody give an example of what a tragedy is?"
One kid puts up his hand and, after being called on, says, "Last year, my cousin was playing street hockey with some friends when a car came flying around the corner and striking him dead."
The special visitor said, "Hmm, that would not be a tragedy. That would be an accident. But oh well, nice try. Can anyone else give me an example of a tragedy?"
One girl puts up her hand and says, "I remember a couple of years ago a school bus with the boys basketball team skidded over a cliff killing all aboard."
The special visitor said, "Hmm, I vaguely remember something about that. But that would not be a tragedy. That would be a great loss. Can anyone give me a genuine example of a tragedy?"
The kids are all flustered. Finally, one boy puts up his hand and says, "What if you, Sir (or Ma'am) and your supporters were flying on your private jet to your special vacation spot and some terrorists shot down your plane taking out everyone on board?"
The visitor quickly said, "Very good! That would definitely be a tragedy. Now can you explain why it would be a tragedy?"
The kid says, "Because it wouldn't be an accident and it wouldn't be a great loss."
Dave
